HAVE you heard the news? There are some big things happening in the world of golf this year.
We’ve got a few exclusives for you. Don’t quote me on them – they’re just passed on from, shall we say, good sources. They could also be completely made up. Either way, time will be the bearer of truth.
One thing is certain, if they do eventuate, you read it here first!
1. King Island voted world’s No.1 golf destination
Following on from its whirlwind opening in October 2015, King Island’s Cape Wickham and Ocean Dunes courses continue to set golf tongues wagging across the globe. Such is the influx of visitors, the Tasmanian government is forced to act, sanctioning the immediate construction of 5-star accommodation around the island and introducing more frequent and affordable direct flights in and out of Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. King Island beef and cheese sales hit an all-time high.
2. Matt Jones wins his first Major
A magical trend continues where the current holder of the Stonehaven Cup goes on to enjoy a career-season. Jones, underrated and relatively unknown to most outside of Australia, cements his name in golf folklore with a gutsy closing round to secure his first Major, holding off fellow countryman Rod Pampling by a shot, who storms home with an unexpected 59 after barely making his tee time following a “Bundy rum bender” the night before.
3. Tiger Woods lights old flames
In a last-ditch effort to remain competitive on tour, the 14-time Major winner goes back to what worked best during his illustrious career, hiring Butch Harmon as his swing coach and convincing Steve Williams to carry his bag full-time, much to the disbelief of Adam Scott. A few Major victories later, ‘Stevie’ releases his second book, titled “Why I Stuck By Tiger”.
4. Aussie gold rush in Rio
Jason Day and Adam Scott spearhead an Aussie assault in Rio as golf’s long-awaited return to the Olympic Games is so successful, even a previously cynical Scott rates the experience. Scott later addresses the world media and admits he got it wrong, and that the Olympic gold medal was “definitely on par with his green jacket.” His press conference is then interrupted by Jason Day’s son Dash, whose medal-wearing shenanigans steal the show and go viral on YouTube.
5. Australian Open officially crowned golf’s fifth Major
After a US PGA Tour player poll reveals the game’s best players prefer flying 15 hours to play for the Stonehaven Cup rather than the US PGA Championship’s Wanamaker Trophy, golf’s governing bodies make a monumental decision to sanction the Australian Open as world golf’s fifth Major. Aussie golf powerbrokers decide to scrap the Australian Masters as a standalone event, instead presenting its traditional gold jacket to the Stonehaven Cup winner.
